Khao Pad Krapow

Khao Pad Krapow Recipe - Vegan Italian Food with Garlic, Chile Peppers, and Mushrooms

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Khao Pad Krapow, also known as Thai Basil Fried Rice, is a popular and flavorful dish in Thai cuisine. This dish is a perfect combination of fragrant basil, spicy chilis, and savory soy sauce mixed with rice and vegetables.

History

Khao Pad Krapow is a traditional Thai dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a staple in Thai street food and is often served in restaurants and homes throughout Thailand. The dish is known for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients.

Ingredients

1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
3 red or green chile peppers, finely chopped
1 cup of fresh button mushrooms, halved
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups of cooked rice
1 bunch of long beans, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, diced
0.5 tsp of sugar
3 tbsp of light soy sauce
15 sweet basil leaves

How to prepare

In a wok or frying pan, heat the oil until it starts to shimmer.
Add the garlic and chilis and fry until the garlic turns golden brown.
Add the mushrooms and onions and stir quickly.
Add the cooked rice and stir well to combine.
Add the long beans, peppers, sugar, and light soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
Just before serving, quickly stir in the basil leaves and transfer to a serving dish.

Variations

Add protein such as tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef to make the dish more filling.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the basil with cilantro or mint for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use day-old rice for this recipe, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried.

- Adjust the amount of chilis to suit your spice preference. You can also remove the seeds from the chilis for a milder flavor.

- Be sure to stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Khao Pad Krapow can be served on its own as a main dish or paired with a side of Thai salad or spring rolls for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe. It involves quickly cooking the ingredients over high heat in a wok or frying pan to retain their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet basil, you can use Thai basil or regular basil as a substitute.

- You can use any type of mushrooms in this recipe, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.

- Substitute the long beans with green beans or snap peas if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Khao Pad Krapow ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and cooking the rice. This will make it easier to quickly stir-fry the dish when you are ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Khao Pad Krapow in a colorful dish garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also add a wedge of lime or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Khao Pad Krapow pairs well with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a cold beer. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Khao Pad Krapow can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the dish in a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Khao Pad Krapow typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Khao Pad Krapow is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the rice and vegetables used in the recipe. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the oil used for stir-frying the ingredients. While fats are high in calories, they are also important for absorbing certain vitamins and providing energy.

Proteins

This dish is not high in protein, as it is primarily made up of rice and vegetables. To increase the protein content, you can add tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef to the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Khao Pad Krapow is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used in the dish. Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C, while basil provides vitamin K and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe may contain soy and gluten from the soy sauce used. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and check for any other allergens in the ingredients.

Summary

Khao Pad Krapow is a flavorful and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals. It is a delicious way to enjoy Thai cuisine at home.

Summary

Khao Pad Krapow is a delicious and aromatic Thai dish that is easy to make at home. With its bold flavors and colorful ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. I was visiting my friend in Thailand, and she invited me to her home for dinner. As I entered her kitchen, the enticing aroma of garlic and Thai basil filled the air. I watched in amazement as she effortlessly whipped up a delicious dish of Khao Pad Krapow, a traditional Thai basil fried rice.

I was mesmerized by the way she chopped the fresh ingredients with such precision and skill. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, red chilies, and Thai basil leaves created a beautiful mosaic on her cutting board. As she sautéed the garlic and chilies in hot oil, the tantalizing scent wafted through the room, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I asked my friend where she learned to make such a delectable dish, and she told me that her grandmother had passed down the recipe to her. She explained that Khao Pad Krapow is a popular street food in Thailand, often enjoyed by locals for lunch or dinner. The key to a good Khao Pad Krapow, she said, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors.

After that memorable evening, I returned home with a newfound appreciation for Thai cuisine and a burning desire to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I reached out to my friend's grandmother, who graciously shared her recipe with me. She warned me that it would take some practice to get the flavors just right, but assured me that with patience and perseverance, I would be able to master the art of Khao Pad Krapow.

I eagerly set to work gathering the ingredients for the dish. I made sure to pick up some fresh Thai basil leaves, red chilies, and bell peppers from the local market. I also stocked up on jasmine rice, garlic, and soy sauce, all of which were essential for creating the authentic flavors of Khao Pad Krapow.

As I began to cook, I found myself transported back to my friend's kitchen in Thailand. The sizzle of the garlic in the hot oil, the fragrant aroma of the Thai basil, and the vibrant colors of the vegetables all combined to create a sensory experience that was truly magical. I could feel the love and care that had been passed down through generations in this humble dish.

After a few tries, I finally managed to perfect my version of Khao Pad Krapow. The rice was light and fluffy, infused with the savory flavors of the garlic and soy sauce. The crunch of the bell peppers and the heat from the red chilies added a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. And of course, the fragrant Thai basil brought a fresh and herbaceous note that tied the whole dish together.

I shared my creation with my family, who marveled at the flavors and textures of the dish. They couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate such a traditional Thai recipe in my own kitchen. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as I watched them savor each bite, knowing that I had successfully honored the culinary heritage that had been passed down to me.

Since then, Khao Pad Krapow has become a staple in my household. I often whip up a batch for dinner, using whatever ingredients I have on hand to create new and exciting variations of the dish. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of my friend's grandmother and the love and generosity she showed me in sharing her cherished recipe.

I am eternally grateful for the experience that led me to discover Khao Pad Krapow, a dish that has not only enriched my culinary repertoire but also deepened my connection to the rich and vibrant tapestry of Thai cuisine. And as I continue to cook and share this delicious recipe with others, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our world.